There’s something about a tropical island holiday never fails to enchant, but you’ve probably never been to these 4 secret gems of the Pacific Islands; from an underwater world of wrecked ships to an ethereal blue swimming hole.

1. Aitutaki, Cook Islands

Where on Earth is it?

Why you need to know about it

You can’t just say that you love the Cook Islands; real aficionados of Pacific paradise retreats get specific and the island of Aitutaki received a healthy number of votes in our survey.

A coral atoll that widens to form a lush tropical island, Aitutaki contains an aquamarine lagoon that’s ripe for snorkelling, sailing and windsurfing, lined with pristine white sand beaches and hammocks strung between palms. Look at it on a map and you’ll find it’s incredibly isolated: a dot of land in a world of blue.

2. Chuuk Lagoon, Micronesia

Where on earth is it?

Central Pacific, around 1800 kilometres north-east of New Guinea.

Why you need to know about it

Chuuk Lagoon is the resting place for hundreds of sunken vessels and aircraft making it a must for divers and snorkellers.

Though getting there proves to be difficult, with very little infrastructure on and between islands, it’s worth it: ships, submarines and World War II planes harbour the most magnificent underwater world that plays host to a tropical reef ecosystem and coral gardens.

3. Blue Hole, Vanuatu

Where on Earth is it?

A spectacular secret on Vanuatu’s island of Efate near Eton Village.

Why you need to know about it

When you pull up at this Vanuatuan beauty spot you’ll be struck by just how vivid this place is.

Yes they call it the ‘blue hole’, but nothing can prepare you for the sight of this almost iridescent aquamarine swimming spot that carves a hole among the dense man-grove trees.

The water is an inviting, tropical warmth, but if the tide is going out it will start pulling you down the narrow riverlet that takes you out to the Pacific! Time to bring out the freestyle…

4. Ha’apai Islands, Tonga

Where on Earth is it?

Sixty-two islands scattered over 10,000 square kilometres of sea, north of Tonga.

Why you need to know about it

Captain James Cook called these islands ‘The Friendly Islands’ after he was met by the warm locals when he stopped here on his Pacific voyage. Of these islands, only 17 are inhabited with around 8000 locals living across 30 villages and, as such, life is fairly simple and traditional with limited infrastructure.